Women & Infants Center Classes & Events

Breastfeeding

Get the answers and confidence to get started breastfeeding in this one-night, two-hour session. Take the class during or after the fifth month of pregnancy. Topics include:

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Importance of exclusive breastfeeding

The importance of Skin-to-Skin

The importance of early initiation of breastfeeding

The importance of rooming-in with your baby

Feeding Cues

Effective positioning & latch

Breastfeeding support resources

Establishing a good milk supply

Nonpharmological pain relief methods in labor

Car Seat Safety Check

Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Is your car seat safe? Find out at one of the Car Seat Safety Checks hosted by St. Joseph's Hospital, Community link, Early Head Start, AAA, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Secretary of State's office. It's totally free – simply stop by the Check for a free expert inspection. Bring your vehicle manual and car seat instruction booklet.

Know Your Newborn

At this one-night session you'll learn what to expect as a new parent. A great class for new dads! Topics include:

What to expect in the hospital

Bringing baby home

First few weeks home

Baby behaviors

Taking care of baby

Home safety and infant CPR

Car seat installation and safety

Prepared Childbirth

The Prepared Childbirth class was created to help you learn about labor and delivery and decrease anxiety over the process. Topics include:

The role of a "labor coach"

Signs of labor

What to expect during labor and delivery

Breathing and relaxation techniques

Variations of labor and delivery

Caesarean birth

Options for labor and delivery

You'll also receive a guided tour of the Women & Infants Center.

Siblings Class

Perfect for 3 to 10 year-olds expecting a new sibling. Trained leaders will encourage future brothers and sisters to talk about their anticipations and concerns. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Topics include:

Practicing how to hold, feed, bathe and diaper

Tour of the Women & Infants Center

Creation of a special gift for baby

Viewing an education video of the birthing experience

Babysitting

If you're at least 11 and want to start babysitting, this is the class for you. You'll learn how to safely care for infants and children up to age 10 – and make yourself the first choice for moms across the neighborhood! In this class you'll have hands-on training on skills including:

Changing diapers

Bottle and spoon feeding

Home and play safety practices

Good hygiene

Emergency response including first aid and rescue breathing

Managing and disciplining toddlers

Entertaining big kids

And more

You'll take home a binder full of resources you can refer to when you're babysitting too!